Phil Scholes, SME sales and marketing director at npower offers advice on how small and medium sized businesses could give themselves an edge over their competitors by reducing their cost base through better energy management.
Posted on 3rd April 2014 .
According to a new report carried out by Oxford Economics, the average cost of taking on a new member of staff for companies in the UK is £30,614. This is based on three main aspects – logistics in bringing someone new on board, the recruitment process and absorption into the business, and the cost of lost output whilst a new recruit reaches their ‘optimum productivity level’.
Posted on 2nd April 2014 .
Even with a return to economic stability, entrepreneurs are faced with a number of pressures to ensure business survival. The key to longevity is to eradicate common business problems, including day-to-day frustrations such as managing accounts, which can be time consuming and costly due to cumbersome accounting requirements and processes.
Posted on 31st March 2014 .
Despite three months of simmering unrest, a troubled history and the shadow of Russian influence hovering in the background, the eruption of violence in Ukraine in February took many people by surprise. However, some British businesses with operations in Ukraine may query whether recent events in the country should have been foreseen, and if the current uncertainty could have been avoided.
Posted on 28th March 2014 .
25 years ago the concept of being able to access hundreds of pounds simply with a few taps of your mobile phone while walking down the street would have been completely alien. The internet has totally transformed the way that both consumers and businesses access finance. It has provided them with a wealth of options where people can quickly and easily compare loan options from across the world. No longer are consumers forced into taking a loan from their nearest bank or money shop; they can log on and compare rates and see what is best for them.
Posted on 27th March 2014 .
There comes a time when all business owners think about putting their feet up and settling into retirement.
For the post–war baby boom generation that time is here, with more and more looking to sell their business and give up work. With the UK economy growing at its fastest rate since the recession began in 2007 there has never been a better time to plan for the future and how to exit your business.
Posted on 25th March 2014 .
As a chartered accountant, I see first-hand the significant financial impact that effective tax planning can have – and how confusing tax can be for both individuals and businesses. However, with the new tax year less than a month away, it’s essential to understand what allowances are available and what changes 6th April will bring.
Posted on 24th March 2014 .
Keeping ownership in the family is generally the preferred choice for most businesses. However, some find that cash constraints or growth opportunities make it either necessary or desirable to raise additional finance. If this cannot be found through borrowing or other non-equity sources, then raising external equity may be the only option.
Posted on 18th March 2014 .
Guy Rigby, author of From Vision to Exit and head of entrepreneurs at Smith & Williamson, considers the arrival of crowdfunding with its opportunities and pitfalls for businesses.
Posted on 18th March 2014 .
There are lots of payments providers out there boasting to be the best, but how do you choose? Whether you want to accept payments in an app of via your website, there are a few key things to think about. Here are the five things any small business should consider when choosing a payment provider.
Posted on 18th March 2014 .
With the General Election looming in less than 18 months’ time, George Osborne’s Budget on March 19th is bound to be influenced much more by political considerations than by objective economics. However, the Chancellor has shown himself to be a very shrewd operator and he will no doubt be determined to marry up fiscal rectitude with some pre-election goodies to fire up Conservative support.
Posted on 11th March 2014 .
It can be far more cost and time efficient to keep your broadband, mobile and telecoms billing together — make sure your provider is offering telecoms bundles, along with capped rates and low recursive charges.
Posted on 10th March 2014 .
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